A version of this letter and resource list originally appeared in the February 2, 2017 issue of The Messenger.
Dear People of Central New York,
As Christians, we are diverse in our opinions and perspectives, but we are all united by our desire to follow Jesus Christ and to live out our baptismal vows to “seek and serve Christ in all persons.” Jesus has especially charged us to serve “the least of these,” the most vulnerable among us.
Below, you’ll find statements and resources from the Episcopal Church and our partners encouraging your support of refugees and immigrants, who are among the most vulnerable members of our human family. I urge you to engage in prayerful discernment about how you and your congregation may be called at this time to serve and welcome refugees and immigrants in our communities. And I pray that we will all continue to build one another up, share one another’s burdens, and encourage one another to act with courage and compassion.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York
Statements, Information and Resources
Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Letter to Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner from CNY Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe.
Statement from Episcopal Migration Ministries Director, the Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson.
Episcopal News Service: “Episcopal Church expands its stand with refugees, immigrants and the undocumented.”
Letter from InterFaith Works CEO Beth Broadway.
Episcopal Public Policy Network “2×4 Fight for Refugees” campaign: Over the next two months, call your national, state, and local elected officials at least four times to let them know you welcome refugees.
